Welcome

As organisers of the 22nd EGF General Meeting, it is a great pleasure to welcome you to Uppsala 9–12 June 2008. We are committed to do our best to make this conference – EGF 2008 – memorable for all of you. The tender greatness of early summer provides a perfect environment for a successful arrangement, and we believe that at this time of the year, Sweden will show itself from its most beautiful side with short and light nights!

Forage plants, which cover one third of the arable land in Sweden, are important for maintaining a biodiverse landscape and as feed for cattle, sheep, and horses. The long, moderately hot days of summer result in forage with a high nutritional value for live­stock. Sweden has large areas (approx. 500,000 ha) of seminatural grasslands that are among its most species-rich habitats, harbour many rare species and have significant historical and cultural values.

The theme of ‘EGF 2008’ will be

Biodiversity and animal feed – future challenges for grassland production

and will include a number of different perspectives, such as

The grassland landscape as a base for animal production – present, past and future

Biodiversity and productivity in grasslands – strategies and limitations

Forage as part of the food chain

Efficient resource utilisation for sustainable conventional and organic grassland production

Grassland-based production in Europe – pathways for future success

The programme will offer plenary, parallel and poster sessions as well as mid-conference tours. Master Classes will be organised for young scientists. A major multidisciplinary Swedish research programme ‘Management of Seminatural Grasslands – Economy and Biodiversity (HagmarksMistra)’ will present final reports during the meeting.